Chachapoyas, Kingdom of the Clouds

Chachapoyas is called Kingdom of Clouds because its cities and fortresses are located in cloud-covered mountains at the northern rainforest of Peru. It is one of the most ancient cities of Peru and one of the few that keeps its stately atmosphere. It is the land of orchids, sugar cane and coffee, cock fighting and exquisite food; it impresses everyone that visits.

INC: B/L In the morning, we will go to Cruz Pata town, and then, we will continue towards the burial site of Karajia. We will enjoy a panoramic view of Luya’s main square along the way. Cruz Pata, known as the Crosses Plateau, is the starting point of our journey by foot or horse to get to Karajia; it takes 30 min. approximately. We will see Karajia sarcophagi, which are part of Chachapoyas pre-inca culture; they are made of stone, wood and clay, and have an anthropomorphic shape; they are unique for their enormous size (up to 2,5 meters high) and careful elaboration. Even though time has passed, being on top of a cliff with difficult access has allowed these constructions to be well preserved. We will go back to have lunch in the city of Luya. Then, we will visit Caverns Quiocta, a capricious work of nature, located in the district of Lamud, Luya province. Inside these caverns, there are seven rooms with stalagmites and stalactites, each one has a different name due to its curious forms. Return to the city of Chachapoyas.

INC: B/L After breakfast, we will be headed to the picturesque town of Cocachimba; from there, we will begin our journey towards Gocta waterfall (an hour and a half on horseback plus one hour walk). Along the way, we will enjoy the great diversity of flora and fauna, and a splendid view of the waterfall. Gocta Waterfall, locally known as “La Chorrera”, is 771 meters high and it is considered among the highest waterfalls in the world. It is the perfect habitat for toucans, monkeys, mountain lions and Andean cocks-of-the-rock. It is located in a large cloud- covered forest, around which there are about twenty waterfalls. It offers a beautiful combination of geography and history, making it a magical place. We will return to Cocachimba and have a traditional lunch. Return to Chachapoyas.

INC: B/L In the morning, we will go to Kuelap, a majestic architectural site built by Chachapoyas. On our way, we will make a stop to have a panoramic view of the Macro Archaeological, also known as “Macro Towers” for its design characteristics; it is located on the side of a hill overlooking Utcubamba river. Then we will go to the starting point towards Kuelap, we will climb on horseback or on foot to the “Fortress”, which is built on top of Cerro Barreta (3000 m. a. s. l.). It is a place surrounded by beautiful landscapes; at first, it seems inaccessible since it is protected by colossal walls and cliffs on three of its four sides. It has three platforms and inside they have circular buildings decorated with rhomboidal and zigzag friezes. Its complex interior architecture indicates it was a well-organized population group. The surrounding landscape and the natural scenarios make it unforgettable. We will return to Choctamal for lunch. Return to Chachapoyas.

INC: B/L After breakfast, we drive to the town of San Bartolo, from here we will go on horseback to the Mausoleums of Revash, which are constructions of funeral homes at the foothills of huge rocks; they are painted in red and cream color, which resemble small houses. Some are up to three floors high, and others have gable roofs with T-shaped, cross-shaped and square windows. The mausoleums can be observed from 100 meters approximately. It is a strategic point to fully appreciate the funerary complex. After the visit we will enjoy lunch. Then, we will visit the museum of Centro Mallqui or Leymebamba Museum, which design replicates local architectural traditions. The rich and varied flora embellishes the surrounding gardens and highlights the collection of orchids, with over 100 local varieties. This museum holds a valuable collection of 240 mummies found in the Lagoon of the Condors. Return to Chachapoyas.

INC: B In the morning, we will start our tour walking from Burgos square, across one of the main streets of the city, to Chachapoyas main square, where we will see traditional colonial houses with balconies, including the Municipal Palace and the Cathedral of Chachapoyas. Then, we will go by bus to Luya Urco viewpoint, where we will enjoy the panoramic view of the city. We will continue by bus to the town of Huanca, a community known for its pottery. On our way, we will visit the viewpoint in Huanca Urco Canyon, where we will look through binoculars the first fall of Gocta waterfall and the Town of the dead; and then, we will go to the viewpoint in Sonche Canyon, where we will see the varied and rugged geography of the Amazonian Andes. We will end our tour in a traditional house to witness the pottery process, where we can participate and make our own ceramics. Return to Chachapoyas.